Early Reactions to Justice John Paul Stevens’s Announcement

Reactions to Justice John Paul Stevens’s retirement announcement are coming in quickly. Let’s get you up to speed on what folks are saying.

Chief Justice John Roberts:

Associate Justice John Paul Stevens has earned the gratitude and admiration of the American people for his nearly 40 years of distinguished service to the Judiciary, including more than 34 years on the Supreme Court. He has enriched the lives of everyone at the Court through his intellect, independence, and warm grace. We have all been blessed to have John as our colleague and his wife Maryan as our friend. We will miss John’s presence in our daily work, but will take joy in his and Maryan’s continued friendship in the years ahead.

Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)

Justice Stevens has been a strong presence on the Court for almost 35 years and worked to build consensus and protect the rule of law. I honor his service to America and wish him well in his retirement.

I am confident that President Obama will use the same wisdom that he showed with his nomination of Justice Sotomayor and name a well-qualified successor. I encourage my Republican colleagues to join us in conducting fair, respectful hearings and swift confirmation of the President’s nominee.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.):

When the Supreme Court recesses on Justice Stevens’ final day on the bench, it will mark the end of an extraordinary judicial career spanning four decades, including 35 years on our highest court. . . .

Justice Stevens’ unique and enduring perspective is irreplaceable; his stalwart adherence to the rule of law is unparalleled. The federal judiciary, and indeed the entire nation, will miss his principled jurisprudence. While it is with a heavy heart, I wish him the best in his retirement.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY):

While Justice Stevens’ retirement is not unexpected, the loss of such a great leader at a time of great change for America and the Court is worrisome. Justice Stevens’ greatness is marked not only by the length of his service, but the enduring quality of his jurisprudence. His leadership will affect America for much longer than the 35 years he served on the Court.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.):

John Paul Stevens has said that he never felt the need to break any records, but judging by his legendary vigor it seems highly likely that he could have shattered the record for longest-serving Supreme Court justice if he had wanted to. I commend Justice Stevens for his lifelong commitment to public service, from his early days fighting corruption in Chicago, to his work in naval intelligence during the Second World War, to his more than three decades on the nation’s highest court. Even if Justice Stevens’ liberalism has led to many decisions I oppose, I respect his devotion to the institution and the gentlemanly manner in which he always carried out his work. I wish Justice Stevens and his wife Maryan all the best in their future endeavors.

Ed Whelan, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center:

Unfortunately, [Justice Stevens's] resignation gives President Obama yet another opportunity to carry through on his threat to nominate justices who will indulge their left-wing policy preferences rather than neutrally interpret the law. We can’t have any more justices who invent rights that aren’t in the Constitution and ignore rights that are. The American people deserve better. Our Constitution demands better.

Nan Aron, president of Alliance for Justice:

For over three decades, Associate Justice John Paul Stevens has been a tremendous force for fairness on the Supreme Court, and his contributions to the advancement of constitutional protections are immense. He has emerged as one of the Court’s most vocal and eloquent spokespersons for individual liberties, separation of powers, and equal access to justice. A master tactician, he leaves a legacy of championing personal freedoms and human dignity in defense of everyday Americans. His fierce protection of core Constitutional values and his distinctive voice will be greatly missed.

Given his leadership role on the court and his strong voice for all Americans, Justice Stevens leaves large shoes to fill. The President now has an opportunity to name a worthy successor who will stand up for equal justice for all, not just the wealthy or powerful.

About Law Blog

The Law Blog covers the legal arena’s hot cases, emerging trends and big personalities. It’s brought to you by lead writer Jacob Gershman with contributions from across The Wall Street Journal’s staff. Jacob comes here after more than half a decade covering the bare-knuckle politics of New York State. His inside-the-room reporting left him steeped in legal and regulatory issues that continue to grab headlines.

A federal judge in Manhattan rejected a bid by the conservative advocacy group Citizens United to stop New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman from requiring that charities disclose to him their major donors.

Concerns about a gender gap in the legal profession tend to focus on issues like pay, billing rates and who makes partner. A new study by the American Bar Association looks inside the federal courtroom to see who's trying cases.